What are the limitations of using the Functional Movement Screen with special populations?

1 Age-related changes

Older adults often experience changes in their musculoskeletal system, such as reduced muscle mass, strength, and power, increased joint stiffness and pain, and decreased balance and coordination. These changes can affect their performance on the FMS tests, especially those that require explosive movements, such as the hurdle step or the broad jump. Additionally, older adults may have other health conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, or cardiovascular disease, that limit their ability to perform the FMS safely or accurately. Therefore, the FMS should be used with caution and discretion with older adults, and the results should be interpreted in the context of their age, fitness level, and medical history. Moreover, the FMS should be complemented with other assessments that measure functional abilities and outcomes relevant to older adults, such as gait speed, balance, and fall risk.

2 Pregnancy adaptations

Pregnant women undergo significant physiological and biomechanical changes during their gestation, which can affect their movement patterns and FMS scores. For example, pregnant women may experience increased lumbar lordosis, pelvic tilt, and joint laxity, which can alter their posture and stability. They may also have reduced range of motion, especially in the trunk and hip regions, due to the growing fetus and the hormonal changes that affect the connective tissues. Furthermore, pregnant women may have contraindications or precautions for certain FMS tests, such as those that involve lying on the back, jumping, or twisting. Therefore, the FMS should be modified or avoided for pregnant women, and replaced with other assessments that are more appropriate and safe for their condition, such as the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ), the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI), or the Modified Oswestry Disability Index (MODI).

3 Disability considerations

People with disabilities may have different types and degrees of impairments that affect their movement capabilities and FMS performance. For example, people with amputations, prosthetic limbs, or spinal cord injuries may have reduced or absent sensation, motor control, or joint range of motion in certain body parts. People with cerebral palsy, stroke, or multiple sclerosis may have spasticity, tremors, or weakness in one or more limbs. People with intellectual or cognitive disabilities may have difficulty understanding or following the FMS instructions. Therefore, the FMS should be adapted or customized for people with disabilities, and the results should be evaluated in relation to their individual goals, needs, and abilities. Furthermore, the FMS should be supplemented with other assessments that measure specific aspects of their function and quality of life, such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), or the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS).

4 Here’s what else to consider

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